The GK8 Gauss Gun is a new weapon designed by the United States. Unlike other weapons, it fires slugs of high-density alloys, such as tungsten carbide and depleted uranium, at velocities up to eight times the speed of sound.

It is primarily used by US soldiers, although members of the KPA are seen using captured Gauss Rifles in Crysis Warhead. It appears to be a bolt-action weapon, as the player tugs on a handle that is on the right side of the weapon between shots. Different iterations of this gun appears in all Crysis games.

The Gauss Rifle is an excellent long-range weapon; it can kill a non-Nanosuit-equipped target (and even Nanosuit-equipped targets in multiplayer) in one shot, no matter where they are hit. It should be acquired as soon as it is made available on the level Onslaught (Crysis) or Adapt or Perish (Crysis Warhead). The Sniper Scope attachment makes picking off enemies at long range much easier. Even against Nanosuit-equipped enemies, the Gauss Rifle is still very effective; three to five bodyshots or one headshot will kill one.

The player should prioritize targets so as not to waste ammunition. Generally, heavy infantry targets such as Nanosuit-equipped soldiers or aliens of any type should be primary targets for the gauss rifle. Lesser targets, such as generic KPA soldiers, should be dealt with using other weapons.

It is also very effective as an anti-Ceph weapon; it takes two to three shots to kill a Ceph Scout in Crysis and one shot to kill a Ceph Trooper. The Gauss Rifle should be equipped upon entering the Ceph-infested part of the game.

The Gauss Rifle is an excellent anti-materiel rifle that can disable hovercraft, boats, and other lightly armored vehicles, as well as heavy infantry. Its muzzle velocity is extremely high, ensuring no target can escape. It can kill an Alien Trooper in one shot and an Alien Scout in two shots (four in Warhead). It can kill a Nanosuit soldier with a single well placed headshot in Crysis Warhead.

The main downsides to the Gauss Rifle are the small magazine size and scarcity of ammunition. Rounds fired from the Gauss Rifle leave blue trails behind, which can reveal the user's position. It is the second most rare gun in Crysis as well as Crysis Warhead, and is only used by a handful of U.S. Marines; some captured rifles are used by KPA Nanosuit soldier in Crysis Warhead.

"The much beloved Gauss rifle in its second generation form with more power and less recoil, improved in all the ways that matter. This electro-magnetic rifle will provide Snipers with the sheer power needed to get the job done."

Now in its second incarnation following successful field trials with US Marines at the Lingshan Incident of 2020, the M2014 Gauss Rifle is an advanced anti-material rifle designed specifically to address the needs of troops engaged in asymmetric warfare. Developed by CryNet Systems Electromagnetic Research Division, the rifle supersedes previous generations of .50cal sniper rifles, combining increased power and muzzle velocity with reduced recoil. Its unrivaled muzzle velocity provides a greater range, less bullet drop and less wind drift than its nearest rivals, bypassing the inherent cost and physical limitations of conventional firearms.

The M2014 was developed from coilgun technology, using magnetic fields to hyper-accelerate projectiles to unprecedented speeds. Powered by a new 8-mega-joule prototype capacitor bank using solid-state switches and high-energy-density capacitors, the rifle’s stopping power is unmatched.

Following the successful, albeit controversial, trials at Lingshan, CryNet accelerated development and within three years the M2014 became standard issue for the elite ranks of C.E.L.L. security forces. CryNet spokesman Elliot Schwarz sees the M2014 as a breakthrough in modern battlefield technology. "The M2014 is a ‘game changer’ that will take us through the unique challenges of the next decade"

In Multiplayer, the player unlocks a C.E.L.L. camouflage for the M2014 Gauss Rifle after the fourth Reboot.

The Gauss Rifle returns in Crysis 3 as Gauss Sabot Gun. It has a lower rate of fire compared to M2014 Gauss of Crysis 2. This weapon usually kills ordinary combatants in a single hit, while Ceph Devastators can be killed with two to three headshots. It also possesses the ability to penetrate some forms of light cover. Almost every type of enemy in the game can be easily taken down by this weapon, making it one of the most useful weapons in the game when it is available. It is still eclipsed by the Bolt Sniper for being the most effective sniping weapon in the game.

The M2014 is more powerful in campaign than in multiplayer for balancing reasons.

The M2014 cannot take ammo from ammunition crates, but needs ammo from other M2014 rifles. However, if the player is carrying a SCAR with the Gauss attachment , ammunition will be replenished from crates.

The M2014 is acquired in the campaign from Commander Lockhart, although the ammo scarcity can be an issue. The M2014 is also acquired on the mission "Masks Off", where the player exits Hargreave's room and enters the hidden passage; it is at the end of the passageway. Another location where the M2014 can be taken is on the rooftops just before Central Park is lifted out of the ground by the Ceph's lithoship. The M2014 is also found just before leaving the Prism to go outside.

The M2014 is the only weapon that can go through Commander Lockhart's nano-glass, making him invincible to gunfire unless you are inside his private room.

There is a useful glitch with the M2014: If you attach the reflex sight, then back to the sniper scope, your HUD will retain the M2014's reticle.